Full player ratings: Saints 2 Barnsley 3

Last updated : 24 September 2007 By Chris C

Starting line-ups

Davis - 6: For a keeper who conceded three goals he had little to do. Rooted to the spot on the first free kick and guilty of poor positioning on the second near post shot, it was hard to argue with the quality of the stirkes. Made a good save for the third and needed his defenders to stop the initial shot and sweep up the rebound.

Wright - 4: For central midfielder keeping two recognised right backs out of the side supposedly through his leadership and passing, he offered little going forward and conceded cheap possession numerous times. No one likes to see a player booed, but you could understand the fans' frustration. Got the biggest cheer of the day when subbed and tellingly it took Burley to lead the applause as he trudged towards his seat in the stand.

Thomas - 6: Not quite up to the high standards he has set himself since joining the club, conceding too many free kicks in dangerous areas. Often the target at corners, he didn't have the best of days in the opposition penalty area, as the far post delivery simply didn't work.

Dailly - 7: The kind of good, simple no-nonsense defending sorely missed this season, only marred at the death when both central defenders failed to deal with a simple punt downfield and the resulting rebound off Davis. He won more than his fair share of headers against two tall Barnsley strikers and looks a good signing.

Vignal - 6: Showed another side to his game today getting stuck in with some meaty challenges. Also looked much better going forward as his frustration at being behind sent him on some good charges down the flank. Set piece delivery not up to the high standards shown later by Idiakez.

Viafara - 7: Gave the Barnsley left back a torrid time, with some lung-busting runs down the right. Guilty of wasting some promising scoring opportunities, but he at least created them through his powerful running. Why did Burley have to break up the excellent Viafara-Safri partnership in central midfield?

Surman - 6: Despite his trademark lovely touches on the ball and passing ability, he again looked lightweight in central midfield. Another who should have been employed in his correct position on the flank delivering quality into the box. Unlucky not to score from long range, as his shooting continues to improve.

Safri - 7: His usual efficent self on the ball, rarely conceding possession and showing his full range of passing. Also got stuck in when necessary and might have had more of an influence on the game with Viafara alongside him breaking up attacks.

Hammill - 8: At times confident bordering on arrogant, at times wasteful, at times wonderfully skillful, this was an impressive full debut all the same. He became more effective as the game wore on and gave the crowd a lift whenever he got the ball. Shaved the post twice with a long range shot and a floating cross/shot into the box. Plenty more to come from the Liverpool youngster. Saints would be hard to handle with him and Dyer on the flanks.

Wright-Phillips - 6: Had a hard time against some big Barnsley defenders, it is difficult to understand why Burley paired him with Saganowski only for Saints to punt balls in their general direction. Managed to hit the outside of the post and setup Saganowski's goal, but not as effective as of late and substituted at half time.

Saganowski - 6: Showed his poaching instincts with a tap-in on the stroke of half-time, but looked short of full fitness, missing his trademark pace and movement to unlock the Barnsley defence. Improved in confidence after his goal and hopefully will benefit from a decent runout.

Substitutes

John - 5: Came on for Wright-Phillips at half-time and managed to create chances for himself. However, he produced two bad misses, a horrific miscue from inside the six yard box with the goal gaping and a free header yards out that he powered well over. Ironically, the equalising goal came from a miscued shot that fell to Idiakez.

Rasiak - 6: Against a side sitting deep and in an attack short of height, Rasiak should have at the very least come on at half time. Showed his threat in the air with three headers which went close, but it wasn't quite his day.

Idiakez - 8: Great cameo from fit-again Idiakez who finally showed something of the talent that made him such a threat at Derby. Instantly improved the quality of our set piece delivery and scored with the coolest of finishes that so many of his colleagues would have blasted into row Z on today's form.